From the Negative Effect of Perceived Oppressiveness to Mental Restoration in Streetscapes

Abstract

Every day, humans interact with the environment, and people can become more stressed and depressed due to the prevailing lifestyle in recent decades. Ultimately, part of the psychological pressure on the user comes from the environment and is known as “perceived oppressiveness.” However, the design of the environment can be such that it causes mental recovery and restoration from stress and continuous mental concentration. Based on this, the present article uses the content analysis method and investigates the dimensions of perceived oppressiveness in the built environment. The research results explain the different dimensions of perceived oppressiveness in users’ mental health. The dimensions of perceived oppressiveness in the built environment can be classified into three main categories: environmental, human, and human–environment interactions. To create cities that minimize mental strain, urban designers and planners must strategically intervene in four key areas: structural and design elements, functional zoning, environmental pollution, and security and safety. These interventions can be effectively implemented by meticulously considering the details of built elements, landscape approaches, land use allocation, and environmental pollution mitigation strategies. Additionally, incorporating user preferences, environmental quality perception, and opportunities for social interaction into urban design can further reduce the perceived oppressiveness of urban environments. Moreover, this research contributes to the discussion of environmental justice in urban design by highlighting the potential for uneven distribution of environmental liabilities.